Enemy Mine (1985)

During a long space war, the lives of two wounded enemies become dependent on their ability to forgive and to trust.

Director:

Wolfgang Petersen

Writers:

Barry Longyear (story), Edward Khmara (screenplay) (as Ed Khmara)

Stars:

Dennis Quaid, Louis Gossett Jr., Brion James

2 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dennis Quaid	...	Davidge
Louis Gossett Jr.	...	Drac
Brion James	...	Stubbs
Richard Marcus	...	Arnold
Carolyn McCormick	...	Morse
Bumper Robinson	...	Zammis
Jim Mapp	...	Old Drac
Lance Kerwin	...	Wooster
Scott Kraft	...	Jonathan
Lou Michaels	...	Wilson (as Lou Micheals)
Andy Geer	...	Bates
Henry Stolow	...	Cates
Herb Andress	...	Hopper
Danmar	...	Wise Guy
Mandy Hausenberger	...	1st Medic

Storyline

A soldier from Earth crashlands on an alien world after sustaining battle damage. Eventually, he encounters another survivor, but from the enemy species he was fighting. They band together to survive on this hostile world. In the end, the human finds himself caring for his enemy in a completely unexpected way.

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Plot Keywords:

title same as book | first person narration | protagonist as narrator | unknown planet | man tied up | 

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Taglines:

Enemies because they were taught to be. Allies because they had to be. Brothers because they dared to be.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Drama | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

PG-13

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the 1992 ITV trailer of the movie, the voice over in the movie's trailer says "space invaders becomes more than a game" which is a nod to Space Invaders (1978). In the Space Invaders video game, the player has to shoot alien invaders and keep them off the ground.

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Goofs

Davidge refers to the meteorite shower as "meteors". Meteors burn up in the atmosphere. If it makes it to the ground, it's a meteorite.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Davidge: [opening narration] By late in the 21st century, the nations of the Earth were finally at peace, working together to explore and colonize the distant reaches of space. Unfortunately, we weren't alone out there. A race of non-human aliens called the Dracs were claiming squatters' rights to some of the richest star systems in the galaxy. Well, they weren't going to get it without a fight. Space was the new battleground. For many of us, Earth became a precious memory, light-years away....

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Alternate Versions

The UK cinema version had been shortened by the distributors before release following negative reviews in the US and was then cut by 27 secs by the BBFC for a PG certificate with edits made to the severed ear sequence. The cuts were restored to the 1987 15-rated video release and the full US version was released on DVD in 2002.

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Connections

Spoofed in Killjoys: Enemy Khlyen (2015)

User Reviews

Agreeable and honest space-opera with enjoyable performance by Luis Gossett Jr.

This outer space-opera buddy movie deals about earthlings and aliens facing a fierce fight . Two futuristic contenders a Draconian(Louis Gossett Jr) and a human(Dennis Quaid) dogfighting over the skies in their aircrafts .When the mortal space enemies are gunned down, they are stranded together into a faraway barren planet. They're forced to become friends and rely on one another in order to survive. The enemies, earthman and reptilian alien survive on hostile world facing enslavers foes(usual nasty Brion James).

This warmhearted Sci-Fi story packs noisy action, intrigue, space battles and good feeling . The cuddly story relies heavily on the continued relationship the two protagonists, however is quite amusing. Sensational and perceptible acting by Louis Gossett in spite of the mask and makeup by Chris Wallas(The fly), furthermore he must speak with purring. Spectacular production design by Rolf Zehelbauer(Cabaret, Odessa file, and he's Fassbinder's usual). Colorful and appropriate cinematography by Tony Imi. Wonderful music score by Maurice Jarre, though uses synthesizer, he's a classic musician and habitual of David Lean(Laurence of Arabia,Dr. Zhivago,Ryan's daughter). The motion picture is directed with sensibility by Wolfgang Petersen , a German working in Hollywood who achieved many hits, before(Das boot,Neverending story), like after( Troy, Perfect storm,Airforce one,Outbreak). Rating: Good, above average.

Details

Country:

USA West Germany UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 December 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

Enemy Mine

Filming Locations:

Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain

Box Office

Budget:

$40,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,594,702, 22 December 1985

Gross USA:

$12,303,411

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$12,303,411

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox, Kings Road Entertainment, SLM Production Group

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1